The Browns have traded away Amari Cooper, a sign the 1-5 team could continue to sell leading up to the trade deadline. If that proves true, edge rusher Za’Darius Smith could soon be on the move. 
The veteran served as a full-time starter last year, his debut campaign in Cleveland. Smith posted only 5.5 sacks – his fewest during a healthy season since 2017 – but he managed to land an extended look with the Browns in the offseason. Team and player agreed to a two-year, $23MM deal in March which prevented him from testing the open market. Things have not gone according to plan in 2024, however.
The Browns’ offense has struggled mightily with Deshaun Watson at quarterback, but the team has also failed to live up to expectations on defense so far. In terms of pass rush production, Cleveland sits 14th in the NFL with 15 sacks; Smith has accounted for three of those while adding four pressures and two tackles for loss. The three-time Pro Bowler’s base salary for this year is just $1.2MM (a prorated portion of which would be taken on by an acquiring team) and none of his base compensation for next year is guaranteed.
“You know what, that’s not my decision. That’s all upstairs,” Smith said when asked about the possibility of a trade (via Scott Petrak of the Chronicle-Telegram). “I would rather you ask them to see what that would be… I’m staying positive, but now that you say that, [getting traded] might be a good look, a good feel for me.”
Smith’s 10-year career has seen him suit up for four different teams, including stints with the Packers and Vikings. A deal sending him to the Lions would allow for a return to the NFC North, and it would help fill the void created by Aidan Hutchinson‘s broken leg. No firm links have emerged between Smith and Detroit, but he would apparently welcome the opportunity to finish the season in the Motor City.
“Hate that injury happened to him, a guy that was on his way to get Defensive Player of the Year possibly,” the former fourth-rounder said of Hutchinson. “That’s a big loss for them. But if I was to go to Detroit, I would like it, because I get to play Green Bay twice a year and the Vikings twice a year. So, yeah, that’ll be big.”
The Lions could certainly use help along the edge with both Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport out of the picture. The team has, to no surprise, showed at least some interest in Haason Reddick as his new representation seeks to bring an end to his Jets holdout. Adding Reddick will require some kind of contractual commitment unless he changes his stance and elects to play out the remainder of his existing deal (either in New York or as a member of a new team) and in doing so puts himself on track for free agency.
Other edge rushers could be on the trade market, though, including Smith. Given his remarks, he would certainly welcome a move sending him to the Lions. It will be worth watching closely to see if that sentiment is reciprocated, or if other teams show interest in adding him before the November 5 deadline.